Celtic dealt major Alistair Johnston blow as defender faces six weeks out

The Canada international was forced off at half-time during Sunday’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Assistant manager Shaun Maloney initially played down concerns after the match, indicating Johnston’s withdrawal was precautionary after the right-back felt a niggle.

However, The Celtic Way now reports that Johnston’s absence could stretch all the way to the September international break.

Should he be ruled out for the full six weeks, Johnston could miss as many as nine Celtic matches during a crucial early period of the campaign.

That would include both legs of the Champions League play-off against Austrian champions LASK, Celtic’s opening League Phase fixture in European competition and the first Glasgow derby of the season against Rangers at Celtic Park.

It represents another frustrating setback for Johnston after an injury-hit 2025/26 campaign.

The 27-year-old missed 57 matches last season due to hamstring problems following a disrupted summer in which he represented Canada at the Gold Cup.

Johnston eventually returned for Celtic’s final five league games and made an important contribution during the winning run that culminated in a dramatic final-day Premiership title triumph at Hearts’ expense.

There was little opportunity for an extended break this summer either, with Johnston helping Canada reach the last 16 of the World Cup before returning to Celtic training in late July, less than three weeks after their elimination by Morocco.

The injury also comes amid continued uncertainty surrounding Johnston’s future.

Everton have shown significant interest in the defender, with Martin O’Neill previously confirming the Premier League club had made contact with Celtic over a potential transfer.